AGENDA NO. 15
Proposal:
Transfer and Reallocate Funds to Upgrade AQMD's Internet Hardware and Enable the Functional Expansion and Enhancement of AQMD's World Wide Web Site
Synopsis:
Expansion and enhancement of the AQMD's World Wide Web site (http://www.aqmd.gov), including implementation of an electronic permit application filing system over the Internet, will require an upgrade of the hardware that maintains and runs the Web site and the purchase of additional Ingres database user licenses. Funds totalling $74,500 will be reallocated to purchase hardware and software for the required upgrade.
Committee:
Administrative, April 19, 1996, Recommended for Approval
Recommended Action:
1. Transfer $24,500 from the FY 1995-96 Budget Fixed Asset Major Object for Information Management to the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional & Special Services Account, for Information Management to purchase additional Ingres database user licenses.2. Reallocate $50,000 identified as "VOC Central Station Hardware and Software" as "Upgrade AQMD's World Wide Web Server" in the FY1995-96 Budget Fixed Asset Account for Information Management.
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
BRW:VCM:JCM:RL
The AQMD unveiled its World Wide Web Home Page on July 1, 1995. The Web site has enabled the public and the regulated community to access and download information (rules, reports, workshop notices, Board actions, etc.) previously available only on paper. Electronic posting of these materials provides quicker, more comprehensive access to AQMD information and reduces the need to handle paper (printing, storing, mailing, etc.). With the development and implementation of a pilot system that enables facilities to file permit applications over the Internet, the functionality of the AQMD Home Page is expanding to include more interactive communication and data gathering. The goal of this expansion is to improve AQMD's efficiency and responsiveness to businesses and is another element of the regulatory reform initiatives adopted by the Governing Board. The pilot system for electronic permit application filing is just an initial step in more fully exploiting the communication potential of the Internet and AQMD's Web site.
Proposal
To enable more interactive electronic communications between AQMD and the public/regulated community, the current Web server hardware must be upgraded. The AQMD's World Wide Web site was initiated using computer hardware already on hand. Subsequently, the utility and effectiveness of communicating with the public and the regulated community through the Internet has been demonstrated. The current server hardware is not adequate, however, for an expansion into more interactive communications or the data capture and storage requirements expected with on-line forms and data gathering such as electronic permit application filing. A local database will be needed for data storage and querying by outside entities to maintain full security for the mission-critical data in the AQMD's Central Information Repository. A new Internet server that will enable AQMD to implement the pilot system for electronic permit application filing and expand into other electronic forms must be purchased.
Enhancing and expanding interactive communications and information gathering on the AQMD's Web site also will require purchase of additional Ingres database user licenses to allow multiple external users to enter data or access stored information concurrently. Without additional licenses, external users could be denied access or experience delays, potentially leading to frustration with on-line systems such as electronic permit application filing. Sufficient licenses for both the pilot permit application filing system and for future expansion into other areas is appropriate at this time as the price of user licenses will increase by 50% after June 30, 1996.
The cost for an upgraded Internet server is $50,000 and for sufficient additional Ingres database user licenses the cost is $24,500. Funding for these purchases is available from the FY1995-96 Budget. $50,000 identified as "VOC Central Station Hardware and Software" in the FY1995-96 Budget Fixed Asset Account can be reallocated to "Upgrade AQMD's World Wide Web Server." To purchase sufficient Ingres database user licenses, $24,500 can be transferred from the FY1995-96 Budget Fixed Asset Major Object for Information Management (two account items identified as "Aviion 550 Workstation" and "Network Management Computer") to the Services & Supplies Major Object, Professional & Special Services Account, for Information Management. The needs for which these two redesignated budget items were intended will be fulfilled by using the existing Internet server hardware configuration in place of purchasing a new network management computer and the current network management computer will be used in place of purchasing a new Aviion 550 Workstation.
Policy Issues
Not Applicable
Resources
Sufficient funds are available in the FY1995-96 Budget.
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